Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration

Courageous Daring Wonderful You, LLC
  • 5.0 (3)
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration is your guide to building a thriving, long-lasting career.  This season, we’re diving into both the technical and human elements of a thriving career—exploring career strategy, leadership, and the evolving mindsets that fuel success, alongside deeper dives into cutting-edge technology tools, emerging industry trends, and critical technical skills.  With a mix of expert conversations and personal reflections, this season is about equipping you with the insights, strategies, and inspiration to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Join us as we decode the wisdom of those who’ve forged their own paths and gain the insights you need to shape yours. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

  1. 3D AGO

    Mentors, Soft Skills & Mindset: A Cybersecurity Story (Guest: Aaleyah Evans)

    Send us a text Is leadership just for those in corner offices?  Not so fast. Meet a Bahamian computer scientist, Aaleyah Evans,  whose early career in cybersecurity and academia challenged every stereotype—proving that relatability, mentorship, and mistakes are the real fuel for future leaders. Listen in for honest stories about building confidence, tackling mistakes head-on, and the power of company-led mentorship to inspire the next wave of tech talent. If cybersecurity sounds all code and no people, this episode will flip that script—showing how soft skills, digital literacy, and a commitment to lifting others can shape the future. Aaleyah leaves us with the ultimate challenge: “If not now, when? If not you, who?” Connect with us: Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Aaleyah: LinkedIn- https://www.linkedin.com/in/aaleyah-s-evans/ Cybergirl IG: https://www.instagram.com/cybergirl_security Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    40 min

  2. OCT 6

    The Alignment Revolution: Turning Layoffs and Setbacks into Opportunity (Guest: Jessica Cumming)

    Send us a text What happens when your “perfect job” doesn’t fit?  In this electrifying episode, meet a former tech pro, Jessica Cumming, who battled layoffs and glass ceilings—then flipped uncertainty into unstoppable growth. Hear how she turned misalignment at Dell into a launchpad for transformation, chose purpose over comfort, and built a coaching career grounded in bold action and realignment. We dive into the importance of: Taking time to truly reflect before transitioning careersBuilding networks and identifying transferable skillsConsidering financial runways beyond survivalAligning your career choices with your personal values and legacyExpect hacks for surviving layoffs, tips for building networks that work, and a mindset shift that will empower your own career leap. Connect with us: Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Jessica: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessicacumming04/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    47 min

  3. SEP 29

    Breaking In Without Burning Out: One Woman’s Path Into Cybersecurity, One Connection at a Time (Guest: Sofi Rodriguez)

    Send us a text What does it take to pivot from a 24-year career in caregiving to a thriving path in cybersecurity?  In this inspiring episode, we sit down with a former nanny and caregiver, Diana Sofi Rodriguez, originally from Peru, who shares her remarkable journey of reinvention.  She opens up about how skills like patience, organization, and empathy became powerful assets for a cybersecurity career and how faith and perseverance played a central role in her growth. From graduating top of her class in a cybersecurity bootcamp to volunteering at tech events and building authentic networking relationships, she reveals strategies anyone can apply when navigating a career transition.  She also reflects on her immigrant experience, her strong identity rooted in her Peruvian heritage, and the influence of her mother’s resilience at 87 years old. If you’re looking for encouragement during your career pivot or need fresh motivation for your job search, this conversation is packed with wisdom, faith-driven confidence, and practical strategies for thriving. Connect on LinkedIn: Sofi: linkedin.com/in/diana-sofía-rodríguez Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    41 min

  4. SEP 22

    Cyber Thriver: Breaking Barriers, Building Networks & Uplifting Diversity in Cybersecurity (Guest: Geraldine Okon)

    Send us a text What does it really take to thrive for two decades in cybersecurity—and to blaze a trail for others?  In this episode of Bytes, Bits and Brilliance, I sit down with the powerhouse behind Cyber Thriver, Geraldine Okon, a 20-year cybersecurity pro who rose from computer operator to trusted mentor, connector, and entrepreneur. We dive deep into her unconventional journey—spanning financial services, a forklift company, and beyond—while unpacking the real roadblocks and hidden opportunities in tech today.  We talk about the game-changing power of networking, conference hustle strategies, and the magic of mentorship (especially for women of color).  Plus, you’ll hear her bold vision for using Cyber Thriver to help the next generation access career-defining industry events. Cyber Thriver: www.thecyberthriverr.com Level up your self-advocacy, discover secrets to breaking stereotypes, and learn how a spark of giving back can turn into an industry-wide shift.  If you’re ready for real stories, real advice, and new moves for your own career, this is your episode. Connect on LinkedIn: Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    35 min

  5. SEP 8

    Leading Through the Shift: Human-Centered AI in Tech Transformation

    Send us a text This 20-minute episode dives into the transformative journey of tech leadership in the age of generative AI.  Drawing from My personal reflections and insights from the Google Cloud Generative AI Leader training, it explores how leaders can navigate uncertainty, drive innovation, and empower teams through change.  Whether you're a CTO, product manager, or engineering lead, this episode offers practical strategies and thought-provoking perspectives to help you lead with clarity and confidence. Connect with me: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    27 min

  6. SEP 1

    From Tech to Coaching: Boundaries, Balance, and Building Your Career with Intention (Guest: Dana Zellers)

    Send us a text In this episode, we dive deep into what it really takes to thrive in tech and beyond. My guest, Dana Zellers, a former tech worker turned executive coach, joins me to unpack the lessons of work-life balance, the power of boundaries, and why intentional career planning is non-negotiable.  Together, we explore coaching strategies, how to handle career crossroads, and the role mentors and managers play in our growth. We talk about giving yourself (and others) grace, why positive reinforcement matters more than you think, and how self-driven professionals can learn to recognize when it’s time to reset.  Whether you’re climbing the ladder or navigating a pivot, this episode is packed with practical insights to help you take control of your career path and protect your energy along the way. Get Dana's FREE Better Week Blueprint - a weekly plan for getting the right things done without working pointless hours and sacrificing your life. https://www.danazellers.com/ Connect with us: Dana: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dzellers/ https://www.instagram.com/dana_zellers/ Dawn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    47 min

  7. AUG 25

    🎙️ Beyond the Code: Redefining Success, Self-Advocacy & Joy in Tech (Guest: Sayantika Banik)

    Send us a text What does it really mean to thrive in tech? In this episode, I sit down with Sayantika Banik, a founder and data scientist who calls herself a “mixed bag.” From building backend systems to serving on the Django Software Foundation’s Board of Directors, her journey is anything but ordinary. We dive into: The realities of burnout and the power of community supportWhy embracing your whole self—not just technical skills—mattersLessons in self-advocacy, resilience, and finding your authentic voice in male-dominated spacesRedefining success on your own terms: joy and sustainability over external expectationsAdvice she’d give her younger self about the messy, beautiful tech journeyIf you’ve ever wondered how to balance ambition with authenticity—or how to build a career that sustains your joy—this conversation is for you. ✨ Listen now and be reminded that your brilliance in tech is bigger than your job title. Find us on LinkedIn: Saya - https://www.linkedin.com/in/sayantika-banik/ Dawn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/dawnbutler1/ Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    44 min

  8. AUG 18

    The Impact of Standards: News, Facts, Figures and Fun (AI Voice)

    Send us a text In this audio overview, we're covering the intersection of: The Impact of Standards (ANSI's Role): Understand how voluntary consensus standards, coordinated by organizations like the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), are literally everywhere, shaping innovation, improving safety and well-being, reducing costs, and enabling global trade.Common Weakness Enumeration (CWE): Explore this community-developed, free-to-use list of common software and hardware weakness types that could have security ramifications, understanding their descriptive names, summaries, modes of introduction, potential mitigations, common consequences, and applicable platforms.OWASP Top 10 Web Application Security Risks: Learn about the most critical web application security risks, and how this data-driven yet community-informed list focuses on root cause types of CWEs rather than just symptoms.Secure Software Development Framework (SSDF): Discover NIST's framework for fundamental, sound, and secure software development practices, designed to reduce the number of vulnerabilities in released software and address their root cause. Cybersecurity Procurement Language for Energy Delivery Systems: Unpack the critical importance of embedding cybersecurity from the design phase into procurement processes for North America's energy delivery systems.Whether you're a developer, an IT professional, a decision-maker, or simply curious about the unseen forces that protect our digital world, this episode will equip you with insights to navigate the evolving landscape of cybersecurity. Support the show Hey, listeners and tech enthusiasts! 🌟 If you've been enjoying our podcast and finding value in the insights shared, we'd love your support. You can: Take a moment to share this podcast with someone who might benefit from our discussions. Submit the interest form if you’d like to be a guest, join a panel, or participate in live coaching. Let us know how we're doing. We’d love to hear from you. Leave a review on your favorite podcast platform. If you’re in a position to support financially, consider supporting the show via the "Bytes of Kindness" Tip Jar, or Buy Me a Coffee. This podcast is a self-funded and my way of giving back, especially to underrepresented voices in tech and cybersecurity. Your support keeps us going and growing. Thanks for being part of this journey and our community! Looking for mentorship? Let's talk about what you need and how I may be able to help: Mentor Moments Lightning Session The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

    12 min
See All (56)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Bytes, Bits & Brilliance: Career Insights and Inspiration is your guide to building a thriving, long-lasting career.  This season, we’re diving into both the technical and human elements of a thriving career—exploring career strategy, leadership, and the evolving mindsets that fuel success, alongside deeper dives into cutting-edge technology tools, emerging industry trends, and critical technical skills.  With a mix of expert conversations and personal reflections, this season is about equipping you with the insights, strategies, and inspiration to move forward with clarity, confidence, and purpose. Join us as we decode the wisdom of those who’ve forged their own paths and gain the insights you need to shape yours. The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests are personal and not reflective of any employer.

Information